Today was marked by unexpected encounters.
The first one was with the DMV lady at window 14. I've come to her window several times, as this was the second time I had to take my driving test. She is always so warm and cheerful, an unexpected change as I know the DMV work environment has not been very upbeat lately, (most likely due to being understaffed as gauged from the terribly long lines and 45 day waits for appointments.)
So today, lady at window 14 merrily wished me luck on my exam, reassuring me that I would pass this time.
My second encounter was with the man who gave me the driving test. Apparently my appointment was not on his schedule (which understandably would have irritated him) but he gave me a driving test anyway. I was already thinking that was enough to merit another failure or at least an unhappy tester!
But instead of being irritated, he was very patient and calm. In between giving me instructions, we carried on a quick conversation starting from was this the car I regularly drove. I told him yes, it was a sort of wedding present from my husband for when I found a job because I had just moved here from the Philippines.
He asked me what my husband did and I gave my standard reply. "He's a chocolate scientist! He does research and development for a chocolate company." He was certainly amused by my reply! He said that he'd heard of similar jobs but had never actually known anyone who had such a job. He asked what I did and I told him I was a teach. "An English teacher?" he asked me, and I said yes. He wasn't surprised.
When we a certain corner, I pointed out that that was where I made my critical error on my last driving test, his reply was " Not this time."
Once parked, he took a few minutes to write some notes before informing me that I had passed! Woohoo! California highways, here I come!
Before I could calm down from my excitement, he thanked me! He said it had been a delight and that he had enjoyed talking to me. Apparently he's had some rough encounters with other drivers and I would figure that his job isn't the easiest thing on earth. I can only imagine some of the people he's had to deal with. Then he sent me off to get my license and wished me luck on the job hunt.
Now I know these encounters may seem ordinary to some but in a world where people are always in a hurry to move on, it's wonderful to come across people who stop and take the time to make a difference in your day. Whether it be sincere words of encouragement or an unexpected conversation, these exchanges are memorable. And in the DMV nonetheless!
So I took my temporary license and skipped home to show it off to my husband. And now I think I've got a letter to write to the DMV, commending those two people for wonderful service and uncalled-for -friendliness in an unexpected place.
